October 2025

The Circulation Desk

Our Monthly Newsletter

Director's Letter

What a month September was. We brought back our regular kids programs, and introduced a lot of new activities. Giving ourselves the flexibility to try new ideas helps us understand what works and what doesn't. Patrons might suggest something, and we try it. But we don't always get the turn out we want. So we shift gears and try something else. That is what makes the staff here so wonderful. Our dedicated staff are always thinking of new ideas and how we can improve the library. That can mean shifting a collection to a new location to give it more room to grow. Or changing the layout of seating to provide more secluded learning areas. We hope we are here never so comfortable in how things are done that we can't change. This past year was another successful one for us, take a look at our Annual Report and learn more about what we do and how we find the money to do it. (Hint: we have a lot of wonderful community members who support us financially). There are more fun and exciting activities this month, check everything out below. Stop in and find a new book to read, a new program to attend, or just to say hello.

See you at the library.

This past month has been a whirlwind of fun. Check out some images of Adult Spelling Bee, a visit from the Maryland Symphony orchestra and our resident butterflies getting released.

OCTOBER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

SAVE THESE DATES!

Anchor - The art of Sue Wrbican

Sue Wrbican lives in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. She works primarily with photography, sculpture, and installation. As subject matter, she fashions post-consumer materials into surreal seascapes for her photographic work.

Opening Reception October 1, 6:00 pm

Join us at the Library for

a special book discussion of To Kill A Mockingbird led by Shepherd University Professor Dr. Heidi M. Hanrahan. October 7, 2:00 pm.

This event is sponsored by the Shepherdstown Public Library Foundation and celebrates banned books week and the right to read. Copies of To Kill A Mockingbird are available at the Library now for checkout!

History Alive!

The Friends of Shepherdstown Library is proud to present Abigail Adams, as portrayed by Joann Peterson. A History Alive program through the WV Humanities Council. Join us Thursday Oct. 9 at 6:30

1000 Cranes for Peace

This past month Jessie and many community members folded 1,000 paper cranes for peace. This effort is a symbol of healing and unity inspired by the Japanese origami tradition and the story of Sadako Sasaki. Stop in and see this amazing completed project.

Read around the year

Do you want to encourage your child to read new types of books, and explore different topics? Sign up for our new reading challenge. Kids can earn prizes reading all school year.

Learn more

A visit from the Fire Department

Kids will learn about fire safety, discover what firefighters do to keep our community safe, and get an up-close look at real fire trucks. A fun and educational event for the whole family!

No registration required.

New Writers Group to begin

Looking for a friendly, supportive, and fun writing group?

Join us the third Tuesday of every month and help us develop guidelines for an in-person, adult writing group. First meeting October 21, 3:00-4:30

Local writers Denise Kupiszewski and Pat Donohoe are looking forward to drawing on their backgrounds as published authors and writing coaches in serving as initial co-coordinators of the group.

For more information, contact Pat Donohoe (patdonohoe@me.com)

Be on the front line of your own Financial protections

Are you worried about online or phone scams affecting your financial or personal information?

Join us for this session lead by financial advisor Tracy Regalia.

She will share tips and techniques to help you avoid scams.

Want to save money? Use your library card. Mango for language learning, Kanopy for video streaming, Libby for ebook, audiobooks and digital magazines.